Saturday, May 18, 2013

Armed Forces Day 2013

WASHINGTON, May 17, 2013 – Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has
marked Armed Forces day by expressing gratitude to service members,
military families, and veterans who keep this nation strong and safe.

Here is the text of his proclamation:

Armed Forces Day is an opportunity for all Americans to express their gratitude to service members, military families, and veterans who keep
this nation strong and safe.
In 2013, we mark the twelfth consecutive Armed Forces Day with our nation at war – the longest period of
sustained combat in our history, fought entirely by volunteers who made
the courageous choice to answer the nation’s call.

President Harry Truman, who proclaimed the nation’s first Armed Forces
Day, once said: “America was not built on fear. America was built on
courage, on imagination and an unbeatable determination to do the job at
hand.”

That courage, imagination, and determination comes from ordinary
citizens like you who have stepped forward to do extraordinary things
throughout our nation’s history.

To all our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen: take pride – not only on Armed
Forces Day but every day – in the uniform that you wear and the patriotic duty you perform. You are striving to make a difference and
leading purposeful lives. You are part of a force that is admired and respected both at home and abroad. Remember that there is no challenge
that cannot be met through the shared determination of the world’s greatest military.

To the husbands, wives, sons, daughters and loved ones of our service members: Armed Forces Day is also a day to recognize the considerable
sacrifices you make every day, and for this nation to reaffirm its commitments to you. You too have made our nation stronger and safer.

To our nation’s veterans: thank you for the service you gave to this
country and for the support that you give our men and women carrying on
your legacy today.
As Americans take this Armed Forces Day to reflect
on what the military has meant for this country, I hope they also find
new ways to show their admiration and respect for all those in our
military family.
Words of thanks and support will never be enough to repay the debt that this nation owes its patriots.